This week on Talking About A Carpool, host ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) flies solo as Semisi Telefoni, “The Wine Chief,” is away with family for the holidays. Ofa keeps the tradition alive with a reflective episode focused on the importance of goal setting for rugby players, drawing on personal experience and practical advice as the year comes to a close. From the latest European rugby results to the deeper meaning of SMART goals and the value of community, this episode is packed with insights for players, coaches, and fans alike.

Segment 1: Da Latest Scoop – European Rugby Roundup

Starts at (1:26)

Fran recaps the latest action from the European rugby scene, covering key results and league tables across major competitions:

• Premiership Rugby: Standout matches, shifting standings, and the battle for finals positions

• Championship Rugby: Notable wins, relegation battles, and the impact of the holiday break

• United Rugby Championship (URC): Derby weekend highlights, South African teams’ standings, and playoff implications

• Top 14 (France): Big wins, surprise upsets, and a look at the top and bottom of the table

• Discussion of the Pro D2 break and anticipation for the season’s resumption

Segment 2: Da Kuleana – Goal Setting for the New Year

Starts at (13:30)

With the new year approaching, Ofa touches on goal setting for rugby players:

• The SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound

• Personal reflections on setting and pursuing ambitious goals, overcoming limitations, and the importance of dreaming big

• The difference between outcome goals (contracts, selections) and process goals (habits, preparation)

• Practical examples: Nutrition, training routines, skill development, and reviewing performance

• The Andries Pretorius framework: Addressing goals as a person, athlete, and rugby player

• The critical role of reviewing and tracking goals, not just setting them

Segment 3: Building Community and Growing the Podcast

Starts at (45:27)

Ofa shares aspirations for the podcast and the broader rugby community:

• Setting a specific, measurable goal for the podcast: reaching 1,000 listens in the coming year

• Strategies for growth: Social media presence, YouTube expansion, and engaging young Islander audiences

• The unique sense of community in rugby, both locally and internationally

• Encouragement for listeners to set their own goals and support each other’s journeys

Outro

Contact us with your questions or feedback at talkingaboutacarpo@gmail.com.

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Music Credit:

Intro and Outro Music by Wesley Winn - I B U (All my life)

Happy New Year from Talking About A Carpool! Thank you for being part of our community - dream big, set your goals, and see you in 2026!